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Is Seaver King Worth Stashing Despite Recent Injury?
Washington Nationals shortstop prospect Seaver King is currently on the 7-day IL at Triple-A Rochester, but he still holds a solid stash upside in deeper leagues. His combined numbers this season at Double-A Harrisburg and Rochester are a .306 batting average, 10 homers, and 51 RBI, along with 50 runs and nine stolen bases. He has demonstrated five-tool ability during his time healthy this season in the minors, but faces a logjam in the MLB infield. He is blocked by CJ Abrams at shortstop in the big leagues and by Nasim Nunez at second base. King seems to have the tools to be a big-league contributor, but 2027 might be the year he becomes a fantasy contributor as he continues to get healthy and develop. The 23-year-old could be a name to watch in fantasy leagues, but it might be a surprise if his Washington Nationals future comes as early as the 2026 season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Profiles as a Redraft Sleeper Entering 2026
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt recorded 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries across 17 games. Particularly given where he was drafted, Croskey-Merritt flashed impressive upside and averaged an efficient 4.6 yards per carry. However, Croskey-Merritt struggled in pass production and as a receiver out of the backfield, capping his workload and fantasy production. Entering 2026, Croskey-Merritt is part of a crowded Commanders backfield mix that also includes Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, Jerome Ford, and Kaytron Allen. While Croskey-Merritt appears unlikely to play a three-down role, he may emerge as an early-down workhorse in Washington. As the RB41 by current average draft position in redraft leagues, Croskey-Merritt profiles as a sleeper back for fantasy managers to target ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Karson Milbrandt Still a Top Stash Option Amid Triple-A Struggles?
Miami Marlins starting pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt is making a strong case for a promotion to the big league club despite two rough starts at Triple-A Jacksonville in his latest outings. Milbrandt has pitched well at two levels this year, going 4-1 at Double-A Pensacola with a 1.34 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 47 innings. Then he has gone 0-2 with a 5.48 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 23.0 innings pitched for Jacksonville. The Jacksonville numbers are slightly concerning for the 22-year-old right-hander, especially the nine earned runs he has given up in his last two starts. The numbers at Double-A and his prospect pedigree as the Marlins No. 4 overall prospect make him a desirable waiver-wire option as he waits for his shot to prove himself in Miami. With Eury Perez and Janson Junk healthy again, the Marlins rotation is at capacity right now, but a good stretch in the second half at Jacksonville could give Milbrandt a chance to show off his skills in Miami.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Taj Bradley a Must-Add Following His July Strikeout Surge?
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley finished the first half by holding the Angels to two runs over seven innings Sunday. He is 3-0 in July with a 1.89 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts in 19 innings, pushing his season line to 9-3 with a 3.59 ERA and 118 strikeouts across 102 2/3 frames. Bradley's cutter and splitter have done the heavy lifting, generating 39.0% and 38.7% whiff rates. The fastball is still getting hit hard, and 15 home runs plus 40 walks leave some blowup risk. That matters less after three straight wins with at least six strikeouts in each. Bradley is now 77% rostered on Yahoo, so he may already be gone in most leagues. Where he remains available, he should be treated as a must-add rather than a streamer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Wells Still the Best Bet for Saves in Baltimore?
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Tyler Wells picked up saves on July 3 and 4 after Ryan Helsley (right elbow discomfort) returned to the injured list. He carried a 3.02 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 46:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 44 2/3 innings into the break, giving him the best overall profile in Baltimore's current committee. Andrew Kittredge has complicated things. He converted back-to-back saves on July 9 and 10, while Wells earned a win on July 9 and finished a 6-1 victory two nights later. There is no clean handcuff here, but Wells still offers strong ratios, strikeouts, and multi-inning flexibility at only 17% rostered on Yahoo. RotoBaller ranks him 41st for Week 16 and recommends him in 12-team leagues, compared with a 15-team recommendation for Kittredge. Wells remains the better speculative add, though managers should expect Baltimore to mix and match.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Spieth Returning to Royal Birkdale in Search of his Old Self
After failing to finish inside the top 50 in any of his last four starts, hopes for Jordan Spieth aren't high coming into the year's final major. There isn't a single part of his game performing with any consistency, especially his chipping and putting, both of which are averaging negative strokes gained over his last three starts. The 32-year-old is returning to Royal Birkdale, where he won his Claret Jug in 2017. However, this is a very different player now than when he won back then. The ball striking isn't as crisp, the short game isn't as tight, and the putts aren't falling. Unlike the level he was at nine years ago, there are better options this week.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Charlie Condon Poised to Make MLB Debut Early in the Second Half?
Colorado Rockies first base/outfield prospect Charlie Condon appears primed to make a difference in the second half of the season at the big-league level. Up to this point this season, Condon has proven to be a quality bat at Triple-A Albuquerque, mixing elite hitting skills with a knack for power. At Albuquerque, Condon is hitting .289 with 20 homers and 60 RBI to go with 75 runs scored. In July, Condon is hitting .310 after hitting .337 in June. The No. 2 overall prospect in the Rockies' system is starting to rake for Albuquerque, and it might not be long before the former No. 3 overall pick out of the University of Georgia makes his big league debut. It would be hard for the Rockies to keep a bat like Condon's in the minors, and now is the time to add Condon to fantasy teams. His high-upside bat should pay off big time in the second half, making him a must-stash candidate.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jung Hoo Lee Still Worth Grabbing Off Waivers?
San Francisco Giants right fielder Jung Hoo Lee hit the break batting .302 with 46 runs, 33 RBI, six steals, and five home runs. He has cooled off badly in July, going 8-for-40 with no homers and only two RBI, which helps explain why his Yahoo roster rate has slipped to 36%. The power is probably not coming. Lee has a 28.3% hard-hit rate and just a 2.3% barrel rate, so fantasy managers should view him for what he is: a batting-average helper who can score runs and chip in the occasional steal. His 9.7% strikeout rate keeps the floor fairly steady, and he is still playing every day. RotoBaller has him in the 12-team-league range. He is not a must-add, but managers chasing average should not let the rough July stretch scare them away.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Strikeout Upside Makes Quinn Mathews a Promising Stash Target
St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Quinn Mathews has been striking out batters at a high rate all season in Triple-A Memphis, making him a high-upside option on the waiver wire. Mathews has punched out 97 batters over 79 innings pitched at Memphis this season, compiling a 3.53 ERA and 1.20 WHIP as he continues to make a case to join the St. Louis rotation. The left-hander is the No. 6 overall prospect for the Cardinals, so he has the pedigree; he is just waiting for an opening at the major league level. But now might be the time to act for fantasy managers, as his high strikeout upside makes him a desirable pitcher on the free-agent market. In June, Mathews posted a 2.05 ERA over five starts, and so far in July, he has posted a 1.38 ERA over two starts. He has been picking things up lately at Triple-A and proving he could be ready for a shot with the Cardinals. At 25 years old, his time might be now for fantasy, and he has solidified himself as a top stash target among pitching prospects.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Marcus Semien Starts Rehab Assignment on Sunday
New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (hip) started his minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton and went 2-for-3 at the plate with a three-run home run and a strikeout. Semien wasn't expected to begin a rehab assignment until after the All-Star break this week, but apparently the Mets had a change of plans. He played five innings at second base before being pulled. The 35-year-old veteran and three-time All-Star could have a chance to make it back before August after being placed on the 10-day injured list on June 25 with a Grade 3 left-hip flexor strain. If Semien doesn't encounter any setbacks with his hip when he moves to Triple-A Syracuse this weekend, he could come off the IL to rejoin the Mets at some point next week. Fantasy managers won't be in a rush to pick Semien up off the waiver wire, though, after he hit just .214/.271/.341 with a .613 OPS, nine home runs, 29 RBI, 30 runs scored, and six stolen bases across his 290 at-bats in the first half. Semien is rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues as a fading fantasy asset in his 14th year in the big leagues.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Alex Lange Worth the Ratio Risk for Saves?
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Alex Lange entered the break with eight saves, but the 5.92 ERA and 1.53 WHIP make him a tough reliever to trust. He had converted seven straight save chances before July, then allowed five earned runs in two-thirds of an inning against the Mets on July 8. That outing was not a blown save, though, and Lange remains the leading option for the ninth. The walks are still a problem. Lange has issued 22 in 38 innings, leaving little room when balls start falling in. Carlos Estevez (right rotator cuff strain) is not expected back until August, while Lucas Erceg and the rest of Kansas City's bullpen remain alternatives if Lange slips again. At 19% rostered on Yahoo, he is a saves gamble rather than a set-and-forget closer. RotoBaller ranks him 44th for Week 16 and recommends him in 12-team leagues. Managers chasing saves can make the add, but the ratios may hurt.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yoendrys Gomez a Long-Term Saves Source Off Waivers?
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Yoendrys Gomez picked up his 11th save Saturday, working around a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth against the Angels. He has yet to blow a save and owns a 1.71 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP over 26 1/3 innings since coming over from Tampa Bay. Despite all that, Gomez is rostered in only 28% of Yahoo leagues. Minnesota has stopped short of naming one permanent closer, but Gomez is getting most of the chances. Andrew Morris earned a two-inning save Sunday after Gomez threw 18 pitches the previous night, so this is not a completely exclusive arrangement. The larger concern is a modest 38:20 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 43 2/3 innings overall. Saves carry the profile. RotoBaller recommends Gomez in 12-team leagues, and managers short in that category should treat him as more than a short-term stream.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jack Wenninger is a Sneaky Stash as Second Half Rolls Around
New York Mets starting pitching prospect Jack Wenninger has turned in two strong starts in July and has made a case for a promotion to the big leagues. In July, Wenninger is 1-0 with a 1.54 ERA over two starts, with nine strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings. Overall at Triple-A Syracuse, Wenninger is 4-5 with a 3.50 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 79.2 innings. The 6-foot-4 right-hander has made 14 starts and 17 total appearances this season for Syracuse and could be second in line for a promotion into the rotation behind Jonah Tong, who has already seen time in New York. At 24 years old, Wenninger is the No. 4 prospect in the Mets' system and could be a sneaky stash in deeper formats, as he appears to be in line for an MLB debut in the second half. An early move on the waiver wire could pay off for fantasy managers seeking pitching depth down the stretch.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
AJ Smith-Shawver to Make Another Rehab Start
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Ken Sugiura reports that Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) will need at least one more minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett before becoming a candidate to join the team's starting rotation in the second half of the season. Smith-Shawver has posted a 2.89 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 11:3 K:BB in his three rehab starts to this point across 9 1/3 innings with Gwinnett and Single-A Augusta as he finishes up his rehab from Tommy John surgery. The former seventh-round pick in 2021 has only appeared in 16 games (15 starts) for Atlanta since debuting in 2023, but he's been solid with a 4-2 record, 3.77 ERA (4.79 FIP), and 1.29 WHIP with 66 strikeouts and 34 walks in 74 innings pitched at the major-league level. In his first start with Gwinnett on Saturday, Smith-Shawver allowed two runs while walking three in 2 1/3 innings, but he topped out at 98.7 mph on the radar gun. Barring a setback with his elbow, he should be an option for the Braves' rotation in early August. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Smith-Shawver now. He's currently rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Kein Sugiura
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Kein Sugiura
Kerry Carpenter a Power Threat Worth Adding?
Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter reached the break at .222/.297/.458 with 13 home runs and 36 RBI in 203 at-bats. July did him no favors. He went 3-for-24 without an extra-base hit and struck out 11 times, which helps explain why he is still only 38% rostered on Yahoo. There is enough thump here to live with the rough average, at least when Detroit is facing a right-hander. Carpenter has hit all 13 of his homers in those matchups, backed by a 90.6 mph average exit velocity, 48.5% hard-hit rate, and 11.4% barrel rate. Lefties are another story. He has seen only 24 plate appearances against them and may not start. RotoBaller puts Carpenter 39th for Week 16, in the 12-team range. Managers who can move him in and out of the lineup should get more than enough home-run help to justify the spot.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tom Kim Hoping to Take Winning Momentum to Royal Birkdale
The good course history and solid play as of late culminated in Tom Kim winning his fourth career PGA Tour title. It was a great week from tee to green, as he led the field in strokes gained average at 3.05. Most of that success came with the irons that have been hot all year. Most of his early-year struggles came on the greens, but he has found traction as of late with gaining strokes in four of his last five events. His solo third at the US Open is proof that he doesn't mind being in the thick of things on the biggest stage. There is plenty of reason to like Kim going into the Open Championship this week. Just be aware that most of his solid performances at the Renaissance Club have rarely transitioned over to the host site of the year's fourth major the following week.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Joshua Baez Still Worth a Stash Despite Decreased Power Output?
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez remains a priority name to monitor in fantasy circles even as his batting average has taken a bit of a dive in July, along with his power output. Nonetheless, Baez still has 28 homers and 69 RBI for Triple-A Memphis this season, despite a July in which he hit just .147 over 34 at-bats with two homers, both of which came in the same game. The slow July has come as a bit of a surprise to Baez, who has consistently hit with power at Memphis all season. Baez has posted an OPS of .894, the best of his minor league career, and remains a name worth paying attention to over the second half of the season. The Cardinals outfield of Jordan Walker, Nathan Church, and Lars Nootbaar is pretty steady, but Baez, the Cardinals' No. 3 overall prospect, could add some depth and punch to the lineup. If and when Baez gets the call to the big leagues, the power and speed should translate for fantasy managers, making him a priority stash in all standard leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jarrett Stidham Being Pushed for Backup QB Job?
The Denver Post's Parker Gabriel writes that the battle for the No. 2 quarterback job for the Denver Broncos between Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger this summer is one to watch. Head coach Sean Payton could keep three QBs on the regular-season roster after doing so in 2024 and 2025. Stidham has been Denver's backup signal-caller since Payton arrived in Denver, but Ehlinger has "looked capable of mounting a challenge." The decision won't come down to money, but how Stidham and Ehlinger perform in training camp and the preseason. Stidham has $2 million guaranteed, and Ehlinger has $1 million guaranteed in 2026, although Stidham carries an $8 million salary cap number. The Broncos would save $4.5 million on their cap if he's released and $6.5 million if he's traded. Denver doesn't need the cap flexibility with $29.5 million in cap space. After not starting a regular-season game since 2023, Stidham predictably struggled in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots with Nix out with a fractured ankle in a snowstorm, throwing for 133 yards, one touchdown, and two crucial interceptions in a loss.
Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Ben Griffin Aiming to be in the Mix at Open Championship
Ben Griffin took a little time off after the John Deere Classic. The American golfer has several Top 10 results in 2026 highlighted by solid finishes in the first three Majors. The T-14 at the PGA Championship and T-17 at the US Open indicate even more upside. Griffin heads to Royal Birkdale where significant chances have occurred since 2021. Several holes including the 5th, 7th, and 14th have seen quite a renovation. Griffin's ability to putt is big here where he has gained 0.432 strokes (19th). A good start is key at England and Griffin averages a tour best 27.37 putts per opening round. Griffin could easily have good numbers to lead Round 1 and/or be a DFS standout.
Source: PGATour.com
Source: PGATour.com
Matt Fitzpatrick is a Must-Play DFS Asset at Open Championship
Even with three wins already this season, Matt Fitzpatrick has been knocking on the door for a while. With three top 5s in his last four starts and firmly taking hold of the lead in average strokes gained on approach for the season (0.846), it's only a matter of time before he lifts another trophy. His time at the Open Championship hasn't been as fruitful as at other majors, mainly due to spotty short-game play. That was also the reason for his shortcomings at the Renaissance Club. The 31-year-old continues to grow as a player, and his age and maturity have made him a gritty, resilient competitor. Play him with confidence this week.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
Wyndham Clark Primed to Contend at Open Championship
It was a flat Sunday for an otherwise strong showing at the Scottish Open for Wyndham Clark, who finished T13. The ball striking both on approach and off the tee seems to be working in unison, as he's gained strokes in both areas in two of his last three appearances. His usual steady short game was the main undoing of his week at the Renaissance Club. He lost an average of -0.11 strokes around the green over four days, but it's better to have this hiccup the week before a major championship than the week of. Nonetheless, with his incredible putting output this season, he should be one of the most reliable scorers ahead of this week's Open Championship.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Keon Coleman has had an "Outstanding Offseason"
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman has been a disappointment since the Bills took him 33rd overall in the second round in 2024 out of Florida State, catching 67 of his 116 targets for 960 yards and eight touchdowns in 26 games (18 starts). In addition to inconsistent production on the field, tardiness to team meetings and a wrist injury limited the 23-year-old to only 13 games (six starts) in 2025 in his sophomore season. Coleman was involved in trade rumors this offseason, but the Bills' brass remains committed to him going forward, and despite the addition of receiver DJ Moore, he could have an elevated role in the passing attack in 2026. Per head coach Joe Brady, Coleman put together an "outstanding offseason" as he heads into a "make-or-break" season. Brady also said the young wideout has been "handling everything like a pro." Coleman has plenty of work to do to get himself back in the good graces of the Bills and fantasy managers, but if he can put himself on the straight and narrow, he has a clear path to being Buffalo's WR3 in Year 3 behind Moore and Khalil Shakir. Consider him a late-round sleeper dart thrown in redraft leagues and a buy-low target in dynasty.
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Tua Tagovailoa the Favorite to Win Falcons Starting QB Job?
New Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will compete with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) for the starting QB job in 2026 in his first year in Atlanta, but Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul thinks his former signal-caller will win the job this summer, according to Grant Gordon of NFL.com. "Him going into Atlanta now, he's got a new situation, a new environment, and I know he's going to go in there," Paul said on "The Set" podcast with Terron Armstead. "He's definitely going to win that spot." Tagovailoa, even though he's learning a new offense in a new location, should have a leg up on Penix after Penix suffered a season-ending knee injury that required surgery last year. Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards in 2023 and was a Pro Bowler, but he threw for a career-worst 15 interceptions and was benched down the stretch last year before being cut by Miami in the offseason. Head injuries make Tagovailoa a huge risk in both superflex redraft leagues and dynasty formats, but with a potential head start in Atlanta's QB competition and with plenty of weapons on offense in his new situation, Tagovailoa makes for a buy-low target in dynasty leagues going into the 2026 season.
Source: NFL.com - Grant Gordon
Source: NFL.com - Grant Gordon
Stefon Diggs Touting Himself as Best WR2 in the NFL
With just two weeks until training camps begin in the NFL, veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains a free agent despite leading the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl last year with 85 catches, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025. He added 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in four postseason games. "My opinion, I can compete with anybody," Diggs said. "But take those [top wide receivers] as your 1s, right? You can't name a No. 2 better than me." The 32-year-old was released by New England in March in a cost-saving move before the Pats acquired Pro Bowl wideout A.J. Brown on June 1 from the Philadelphia Eagles. Diggs has seven 1,000-yard campaigns in his career, although he's clearly no longer in the prime of his career. With an off-the-field matter no longer hanging over his head for a potential suspension from the NFL, Diggs should eventually land with a team for the 2026 season, but his fantasy value could vary depending on his landing spot.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Ryan Blaney Dominates at Atlanta for his Second Win of 2026
Team Penske's Ryan Blaney was the dominant driver of the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway. Blaney started in the pole position in first and went on to lead every lap and dominate the first stage. During the stage break, Blaney lost the lead after coming out third after pit stops, but he was back fighting for the lead after a few laps. Although he faced challenges from Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Carson Hocevar, and Bubba Wallace, Blaney went on to dominate most of the second stage and eventually win it as well. Blaney lost his track position with a slow stop during the stage break before the final stage. He restarted the third stage from 16th, and it was not until midway through the stage, around lap 202, that Blaney returned to the front. From there, Blaney continued to trade the lead with several drivers until the final overtime restart. Although he fell behind Hocevar by the white flag, Blaney regained the lead and received a push from Christopher Bell to pass Hocevar and Wallace to seal his second victory of the 2026 season. Blaney remains third in the regular season standings after 20 races, but he gained points against Denny Hamlin for the regular season title, as he is only 65 points behind Hamlin.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Christopher Bell Gets his Fifth Runner-Up Finish of the 2026 Season at Atlanta
Joe Gibbs Racing's Christopher Bell finished in second place in the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway. The No. 20 Toyota driver started the race from 32nd and spent the first two stages slowly gaining positions through the pack. By the end of the first stage, he was 15th, while at the end of the second stage, he made it up to seventh and scored four stage points. In the final stage, Bell made it up to the top five and ran there throughout the entire stage while being a factor for the win. While he kept fighting Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, and Ty Gibbs for the lead, Bell led a total of five laps. Bell ended up being the deciding factor for Ryan Blaney's victory on the final restart, as when Bell could not make a move for the win on the final lap, he pushed Blaney ahead of Wallace and Carson Hocevar and put himself into second. This would be Bell's fifth time finishing in second this year, and he now moves to ninth in the regular season standings after 20 races.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Carson Hocevar Falls Short of Winning at Atlanta
Carson Hocevar was one of the main contenders to compete for the win throughout the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway. In the first stage of the race, Hocevar went from his starting position of 14th to competing for a top-5 finish. However, he did fade back slightly and ended the first stage in sixth, earning five stage points. In the second stage, Hocevar ran inside the top five through most of the stage and even took the lead from Ryan Blaney at a few points. At the end of the second stage, Hocevar got a flat tire in his car and fell all the way back to 30th, leaving him with no further stage points. In the final stage, Hocevar slowly recovered and returned to the front of the pack to trade the lead with Blaney and Bubba Wallace throughout the stage. Although Hocevar led during the white flag, Blaney got past him in turn one. Despite mounting a charge to regain the lead, Christopher Bell pushed himself and Blaney ahead of Hocevar, leaving Hocevar in third as his finishing result. With 20 races now completed in the 2026 season, Hocevar is eighth in the regular season standings with six races to go before The Chase begins.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Ty Gibbs Scores his First Top-Five Finish in his Cup Career at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs finished fourth in the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway. Gibbs started the race from 23rd and steadily advanced to the front as the race progressed. In the first stage, he went from 23rd to 12th at the end of the stage, falling short of stage points. The second stage saw Gibbs advancing into the top 10 and running there the whole time. He finished the second stage in sixth and earned five stage points as he hit Bubba Wallace and spun him out before the stage ended. Gibbs stayed out of pit road during the stage break between the second and third stages and inherited the lead as a result. The No. 54 Toyota driver went on to lead 32 laps until a lap 194 caution, where A.J. Allmendinger spun after contact from Michael McDowell. Gibbs lost the lead through the next set of pit stops during this caution and then spent the rest of the race rallying back to what would be his first career top-5 finish at EchoPark in the Cup Series. With his fourth-place run at the Atlanta track, Gibbs sits fourth in the regular season standings after 20 races.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Last-Lap Penalty Negates Bubba Wallace's Strong Finish at Atlanta
Bubba Wallace was one of the top contenders for the win in the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway. Wallace began the race from the 22nd position and quickly climbed through the field early in the first stage and challenged for a top-5 running position, but faded back to 10th by the end of the first stage for one stage point earned. In the second stage, Wallace continued to run well and even traded the lead back and forth with Ryan Blaney several times. However, on the last lap of the second stage, he spun off turn four thanks to contact with Ty Gibbs and missed out on further stage points. Wallace did not receive any damage and spent the final stage recovering from his spin to get back into the top 10. Thanks to a faster car than most and some pit strategies, Wallace returned to the top 10 and became one of the main contenders for the win. When the race went into overtime, Wallace pushed Blaney to the lead and looked to contend for the win on the final lap, but he moved too far down the track past the yellow line and had a penalty after the race finished. As a result, Wallace placed 29th instead of second. After 20 races completed this season, Wallace is now 13th in the regular season standings with six races to go before The Chase begins.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Astros Promoting Shortstop Prospect Xavier Neyens to High-A
The Houston Astros are promoting top shortstop prospect Xavier Neyens to High-A Asheville at the All-Star break, a source told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Neyens, the 21st overall pick in last year's draft out of Mount Vernon High School in Washington, gets the promotion at the halfway point after hitting .240/.449/.462 with a .911 OPS, 14 home runs, 38 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 52 runs scored in 68 games and 305 plate appearances with Single-A Fayetteville at just 19 years old. Per MLB Pipeline, he's the Astros' second-ranked prospect. Neyens has displayed plenty of pop at the lower level of the minors, but also plenty of swing and miss, as he's sporting a 30.2% strikeout rate early on. The left-handed hitter has a big frame at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, which gives him plenty of leverage for plus-plus raw power at a premium position. Neyens is expected to eventually be moved to third base because of his fringy speed and quickness. There's a lot of upside here, but more development is needed, and he won't be a realistic option for a big-league call-up for another couple of years.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
